Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, January 1, 2020

The native wiliwili tree, Erythrina sandwicensis, also known as the Hawaiian Coral Tree, is in danger from a wasp pest. 

One wasp species was already brought to Hawaiʻi to help control the pest, but adding another wasp species is 

being suggested. Submit comments and questions by Wednesday, Jan. 22. Photo from Hawaiʻi Dept. of Ag

SAVING THE COLORFUL, NATIVE WILIWILI TREE is the aim of a plan to introduce a wasp from Africa that will kill off the wasp that damages wiliwili. The biological control plan issued by the state Department of Agriculture and Department of Land & Natural Resources seeks to protect the native wiliwili tree – Erythrina sandwicensis, also known as the Hawaiian Coral Tree – and other native trees from an invasive erythrina gall wasp, Quadrastichus erythrinae. This gall wasp has attacked and killed many hundreds of trees.
     Those who live in or frequent Kaʻū and the rest of Hawaiʻi will recognize the wiliwili in bloom, usually with red/orange flowers and a spreading canopy. Red wiliwili seeds are valued among Native Hawaiians for making leis and other uses.

A second biocontrol agent, Aprostocetus nitens, is
suggested to help save the wiliwili from invasive
pest wasp EGW. Photo from waspweb.org

     Comments and questions regarding introduction of the wasp are due by Wednesday, Jan. 22. Submit online at dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/biocontrol/contact-us, or by mail to: Attn: State Protection Forester, Div. of Forestry and Wildlife, Kalanimoku Bldg., 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 325, Honolulu, HI, 96813. Read the whole Draft Environmental Assessment at oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/Doc_Library/2019-12-23-ST-DEA-Erythrina-Gall-Wasp-Biological-Control.pdf.

     The damaging gall wasp was discovered in the islands in 2005. A Tanzanian wasp, Eurytoma erythrinae, was brought to Hawaiʻi for biocontrol in November, 2008, "following rigorous specificity testing," according to DLNR. E. erythrinae attacks the gall wasp pest by feeding on its larvae. Six months after release, states DLNR, E. erythrinae established successfully and wiliwili trees began to recover.

Invasive erythrina gall wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus
erythrinae, have attacked and killed many hundreds of
native wiliwili trees. Photo from Hawaiʻi Dept. of Ag

     However, states DLNR, damage by gall wasps to flowers, seed pods, and seedlings of wiliwili persists, because the galls formed on flowers and seedling are usually small and scattered, and E. erythrinae does well only on large galls. The Draft EA supports release of a second biocontrol agent, Aprostocetus nitens, another kind of non-endemic wasp, to complement E. erythrinae in controlling the gall wasp pest. Collected in its native region of Africa, A. nitens can complete development on a single wasp and survives well on small and large galls. Testing has proven A. nitens to be host specific to the gall wasp pest, which means that it will not predate on other gall wasps that are not harming native plants.

A Tanzanian wasp, Eurytoma erythrinae was brought to 

Hawaiʻi for biocontrol of the erythrina gall wasp in 

November, 2008. Photo from Hawaiʻi Dept. of Ag

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DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF HAWAIʻI HAS ANNOUNCED CHANGES TO METHODS for the 2020 elections. Changes to the Presidential Primary include:

     The Precinct meetings – where Precinct and District officers, and delegates to state and county conventions, are elected – will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at various locations across the state. A complete listing of those locations will be put on the Party's website, hawaiidemocrats.org, later this month. These meeting were previously held along with the PPP.

     All enrolled members of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, with current mailing addresses, will be able to vote by mail in the Party-run Presidential Primary.  

Update membership information at hawaiidemocrats.org/join and registration at olvr.hawaii.gov by Feb. 18. Ballots will be mailed. A second mailing will happen after March 8 for anyone that joins between Feb. 19 and March 8. Those that join after March 8 will have to go to a polling location on April 4.

     DPH's Party-run Presidential Primary will offer Rank-Choice Voting: Every voter will be able to vote for up to three top candidates.

     Same-day voter registration, Party enrollment, and in-person voting will be available for those who miss the vote-by-mail deadlines or chose not to vote by mail. This service will be available on Saturday, April 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at locations on every island except Niʻihau. The complete list of polling locations will be available on the Party's website hawaiidemocrats.org later in January.

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THE NEXT MAUNA LOA ERUPTION and the 2018 Kīlauea eruption are the subjects of a talk that will be given on Thursday, Jan. 30, to close out the 11th annual Volcano Awareness month. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno will come to Ocean View Ocean View Community Center – 92-8924 Leilani Circle – from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
     The event will also focus on the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for Hawaiʻi Island, and comments from the community will be welcome at the meeting.
     Neal and Magno will talk about the current status of Mauna Loa, hazards of future eruptions, experiences from Kīlauea 2018 eruption, preparing for next Mauna Loa eruption, and how communities can stay informed. The meeting is free and open to public. More info at "HVO News" at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/, (808) 967-8844, or askHVO@usgs.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball

Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala

Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa

Boys Basketball

Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA

Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa

Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena

Soccer

Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm

Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA

Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm

Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa

Wrestling

Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe

Swimming

Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

UPCOMING

THURSDAY, JAN. 2

Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 9:30a.m., Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can get permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info, nickem@hawaii.rr.com. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Kahuku Orientation Talk, Thursday and Friday, Jan. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31, 10-10:30a.m., HVNP Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Craft Day, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 – every Thursday, monthly – 3:30-4:30p.m., Pāhala Public Library. Ages 3 and up. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org

CANCELED due to septic work at OVCC: Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 8-9a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $36 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs or prorating for missed classes. Limited to 15 people. Must call to reserve spot in advance. No drop-ins. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com

Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, Jan. 3 and 17, and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 25, 8:45a.m.-noon, meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 10-11a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $45 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs or prorating for missed classes. No drop ins. Limited to 15 people. Reserve spot in advance. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com

Movie Matinee, Friday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 – every Friday, monthly – 2-4p.m., Pāhala Public Library. Free entry and popcorn. Keiki must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, JAN. 4

Free Hot Shower and Hot Lunch Day, Saturday, Jan. 4, 11, 18, and 25, 9a.m.-2p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Last Saturday of the month, Kady and Drew Foster give haircuts – 12 slots available – and Big Island Giving Tree hands out clothes and items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Jan. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Jan. 4, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge, free to in-house guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 5

Farmers Market, Sunday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26 – every Sunday, monthly – 6-10a.m., Cooper Center in Volcano. thecoopercenter.org

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, Sunday, Jan. 5, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free. nps.gov/havo

Clay – High Fire!, Sunday, Jan. 5 through Feb. 23, 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m. or 2:45-5:45p.m. 8-week morning or afternoon pottery series with Erik Wold. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Jan. 5 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc
 or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, JAN. 6

Guided Hike of Kīlauea Iki Crater, Monday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 10a.m.-1p.m. Meet Ranger Mike at Kīlauea Iki Overlook Parking Lot. Iconic four mile, moderately difficult hike, with an elevation gain of 400 feet. Crosses steaming crater floor through the intersection of eruption and native rainforest. Free; Park entrance fees apply except Jan. 20. nps.gov/havo

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Jan. 6 – first Monday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Jan. 6 – first Monday, monthly – 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JAN. 7

Hawai‘i County Council Committee Mtgs., Tuesday, Jan. 7 (Hilo) and 21 (Kona) – second and fourth Tuesday, monthly. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Bookstore and Thrift Shop, Tuesday-Saturday, 8-11:30a.m., and Sunday, 6:30-10a.m., weekly, Cooper Center in Volcano. Shop, donate, or both. thecoopercenter.org

Blended Learning Computer Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – every Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly – 8a.m.-3p.m., St. Jude's computer lab. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 – every Tuesday, monthly – 9:30-10:30a.m., PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 0-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can - supplies limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 10a.m., noon, and 2p.m. One hour performance includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist and founder of Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, Dr. Jaggar, to life. Space limited; pick up free tickets at Visitor Center's front desk day of program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network. Free; Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 1, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Basics class focuses on vocabulary, counting, simple conversation, grammar, and sentence structures. No textbook or previous knowledge required. No class Jan. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class focuses on expanding vocabulary, using longer snippets of conversation, and understanding how repeating Hawaiian word and phrase patterns can be used to communicate using many types of sentences. Class taught using Hawaiian as language of instruction about 10% of the time to help with listening comprehension. No textbook required. No class Jan. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class taught over 50% in the Hawaiian language to increase comprehension and to "immerse" the student. Class is ideal for teachers, cultural practitioners, and those with the goal of using Hawaiian language on a daily basis. No textbook required. No class Jan. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Jan. 7– 1st Tuesday, monthly – 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park - Transitions: What's Next for HVO and the Volcanoes it Monitors?, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Tina Neal, Scientist-in-Charge of HVO, describes the current status of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and what might be coming next, and gives update on HVO's new volcano observatory. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8

Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Wednesday, Jan. 8 (Hilo) and 22 (Kona) – second and fourth Wednesday, monthly. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

ʻAi Pono: Healthy Hawaiian Foods, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. ‘Anake (Aunty) Edna Baldado discusses eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (the staple food of Hawaiians), ‘uala (sweet potato), and ‘ulu (breadfruit). Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Restoring Hope Group, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – every Wednesday, monthly – 4-6p.m., PARENTS Inc. Office, Nā‘ālehu. For families with keiki ages ages 3-17. Free, dinner included. Registration required. For more info, 333-3460

ONGOING

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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